short leg: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical (in cricket), Informal (for literal use)
Quick answer
What does “short leg” mean?
In cricket, a fielding position very close to the batsman on the leg side.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In cricket, a fielding position very close to the batsman on the leg side.
Can refer to a literal leg that is physically shorter than the other, or metaphorically to a disadvantage or weak point.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Primarily used in British English and Commonwealth countries due to cricket's popularity. In American English, it is rarely used and is typically interpreted literally.
Connotations
In UK English, it evokes cricket and sports strategy. In US English, it may connote a medical or anatomical condition.
Frequency
Much more frequent in UK English; almost absent in US English except in specialized contexts like sports discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “short leg” in a Sentence
at short legin the short leg positionas a short legVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; in finance, 'short' might refer to short selling, but 'short leg' is not a standard term.
Academic
Used in sports science, cricket studies, or anatomical discussions.
Everyday
Mostly in cricket discussions or when referring to a physically short leg in casual conversation.
Technical
Specific to cricket terminology and occasionally in medical or biomechanical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “short leg”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “short leg”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “short leg”
- Using 'short leg' to refer to a person with a short leg in a medical context without clarification.
- Confusing 'short leg' with other cricket positions like 'square leg' or 'mid-wicket'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a fielding position where the fielder stands very close to the batsman on the leg side, often to catch deflections or provoke mistakes.
Rarely; it is primarily a British English term due to cricket's prevalence in the UK and Commonwealth countries.
Yes, it can literally mean a leg that is physically short, but this usage is less common and usually clear from context.
Because the fielder is very close to the batsman and at risk of being struck by the ball, which can travel at high speeds.
In cricket, a fielding position very close to the batsman on the leg side.
Short leg is usually technical (in cricket), informal (for literal use) in register.
Short leg: in British English it is pronounced /ʃɔːt leɡ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ʃɔrt lɛɡ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'short leg' as short on distance from the batsman in cricket, not short in length.
Conceptual Metaphor
A point of vulnerability or close scrutiny.
Practice
Quiz
What is 'short leg' primarily associated with?